Manchester Community Transport

[knutstransport]

RE: Manchester Community Transport

(15/02/2018 22:13)Brickmill Wrote:  What do D&G charge between Alty and Hale Barns (no "e", btw)? TFGM rules are that Operators can't charge more than the "commercial" equivalent for any given distance - albeit it only has the power to dictate single fares. Subsidised Operators can charge less. So, I suppose its possible that the 288 could be cheaper than the 88 for the same section. Daft/confusing as this may be, there are precedents. For instance, Reddish, Bulls Head to Reddish Houldsworth Square (1.2 miles according to the AA) is £2 single on subsidised service 42A, but £2.50 on commercial 203. Both services are run by Stagecoach. 42A is only subsidised between Reddish and East Didsbury btw, before anyone asks why TFGM are subsidising services along Wilmslow Road!

D&G charge flat £3.50 single/£5 return fares on the 88 unless you're making a very short journey (which doesn't include Hale Barnes to Altrincham.) Last year when I used the MCT 288 route is was £2.20 single from the Airport to Altrincham.

It's worth remembering the 88 is not a commercial route and even on the new timetable being introduced on 1st April where there will both commercial and subsided journeys, the commercial ones will only run between Wilmslow and Knutsford.

I thought there was a rule which stated subsided services can't compete with commercial ones but how that is interpreted seems to vary between different areas. TfGM seem to think an evening peak time extra contracted service in between two commercial services is permitted, other local authorities seem to think contracted services can only start after the last commercial journey has operated.